Summer College Award Ceremony

An award ceremony will be held this evening (20/22/01) at 7.00pm in the Conference Centre (Meeting Room 2) to present certificates to students who have completed a five-week Summer College Programme here at the University.

The Summer College is a free Programme which has been in operation for 4 years, it is run in partnership with Lancaster University's associated Colleges, (Edge Hill, S.Martin's, Blackpool and The Fylde and Blackburn College), and is designed to provide an extra qualification to help students enter higher education, and an opportunity to learn skills needed to be successful at University or College, such as study skills and time management.

From the 59 students who began the programme in 2001, 51 students have completed the programme and gone on to enter Higher Education, and another 2 students will start their degrees next year. The students came from all over the north west and many had to face difficult concerns in relation to participating in the programme, some had family or health problems, others were unsure whether they would be able to achieve the grades required for entry to University, and for some students they were the first among their relatives or friends to enter higher education, and didn't know what to expect or whether it was really the right step for them. Successful student Keeley-Jo Hilton said;

"Arriving at the university was daunting as it was so big and inside the halls all the corridors were the same! Initially, my biggest fear was that I wouldn't make any friends but before the welcome dinner I had already made friends, which was a relief! Its amazing the amount of support you receive from others on the course. The work wasn't what I had expected and the lessons have made me a lot less uneasy about university because I now have an idea what to expect. And as for budgeting, I didn't realise how important it was until the last week or so but when I go to university in September I am sure I'll keep in mind how important it is to budget, especially when it comes to meals and socialising! Overall I think the Summer College has equipped me with more than enough skills and lessons to help me when I go to Edge Hill College."

Another student Chris Wills joined Summer College 2001 as a mature student;

"I had to give up a permanent job to attend the 5 week intensive course, but I do not regret one minute of it. The course introduced me to University life and enabled me to focus on the bigger picture and that was whether I wanted to embark on a 3-year degree course. The majority of the students were younger than me - I did not find that a problem. I could and did learn a lot from them and in return I believe I gained their respect. I was impressed with the organisation of the entire Programme; you felt that if others had put in so much time and effort that you yourself must not let them down. Lancaster taught me one huge lesson, to have confidence and when I got my equivalent A levels, I was able with a new found enthusiasm to go into clearing and find myself a University."

Chris is now training to be a social worker, at Lincolnshire and Humberside University.

Prior to the awarding ceremony the Summer College Co-ordinator, June Watson, commented, "The students who will be receiving Certificates have been successful despite difficult personal circumstances, and we wish them every success in their future studies and careers".

The Summer College is now looking to recruit for Summer College 2002 and are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who is thinking of applying to one of the associated institutions previously mentioned. Anyone who either wants to get a taste of University life or thinks they may not get the grades they need. The Summer College would also like to hear from people with a low family income, as well as those whose studies have been affected by personal and family circumstances.

To find out more about Summer College call 01524 592622.